Almost half of new STD cases are in the United States are with youth between 15 and 24 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is also an increase of cases with people over the age of 50, so those talks mom and dad are having with their teens can be tried out with their own parents as well.

"I think sometimes parents are petrified that their children are going to ask them a question and they won't know the answer, so they don't want to talk about it," Dr. Renee Jenkins said in a statement. "So get educated."

The largest portion of people who get a STD don't even know they are infected. Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself to prevent many diseases but not all. A condom does not prevent herpes and the HPV virus.

Teens who are sexually active need to be honest with their doctors. Being tested for STDs needs to be part of standard medical tests. Almost six percent of those who test positive for an STD say that they are virgins. That's very possible as there are some diseases that do not require intercourse.

Many STDs come without a symptom. Although some diseases like HIV are incurable they can be managed with medication.

BeSmartBeWell.com is helping parents and teens learn what they need about Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The site also provides information about other family-focused health topics like asthma and childhood obesity.